A compact metal rod intended to be used during expansion of a laparoscopic access port (e.g., from 10 to 20 mm) by facilitating: 1) removal of an existing access cannula; and 2) introduction of a dilator/cannula assembly. It is inserted into the existing access cannula, keeping the opening airtight whilst the smaller access cannula is removed; a special dilator assembled with a larger access cannula is fed back over the guide rod. This is a reusable device.